The number of measles cases in an outbreak in the South Plains region of northern Texas has grown from 24 illnesses to 48 in just the past 3 days, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported today.
Thirteen patients (27%) have required hospital care. All patients are unvaccinated, or their measles vaccine status remains unknown. The first cases in the region were confirmed on January 23. Since then, the DSHS reported 6 cases on February 5 and 24 cases on February 11.
Gaines County is the hardest hit, with 42 of the 48 cases. Other affected counties are Terry (3 cases), Yoakum (2), and Lynn (1).